GEORGE TOWN – Ratepayers must undergo Covid-19 tests 24 hours before meeting Penang Island City Council officers in person, making it the first council to do so.
The ruling will come into effect next month and it represents the council’s preparations to enter the endemic phase of Covid-19, said Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang in a press conference today after a council meeting.
He said ratepayers can undergo the routine RTK-Ag tests or use self-test kits and bring along their results for their in-person appointments with council officers.
“It is applicable for the majority of the council’s buildings and facilities.”
Yew said the council needs to prepare for the endemic stage in view that the majority of registered adults are expected to be fully vaccinated within the next few months.
It is believed that this requirement is also for those settling their summonses and basic payments for assessments, quit rent, licensing fees, and issues related to buildings.
The guidelines will be made available soon on the Penang Island City Council portal for reference.
The council will be conducting more mass screenings at public markets, whereby those who test positive will be referred to state health authorities for the next course of action, whereas those who test negative will be able to continue their business pending a sanitisation exercise.
He said that one crucial factor during the endemic period is the willingness of the people here to undergo testing.
It can prevent the mushrooming of clusters and keep infections in check, especially after most of the people are vaccinated.
In another matter, Yew said that the local plan draft for the island is finally completed and will be made public in the council offices in the next two months.
“The public is encouraged to view the display and offer their recommendations to the proposed local plan.” – The Vibes, September 28, 2021
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